A framework of firms' business sustainability endeavours with internal and external stakeholders through time across oriental and occidental business contexts

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzong-Ru Lee ◽  
Ku-Ho Lin ◽  
Chang-Hsiung Chen ◽  
Carmen Otero-Neira ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Downstream Market

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to test and compare a framework of firms' business sustainability endeavours with internal and external stakeholders in an oriental business context and to verify the validity and reliability of a stakeholder framework through time and across oriental and occidental business contexts.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative approach based on a questionnaire survey in corporate Taiwan with a response rate of 68.5%. Multivariate analysis is undertaken to uncover the measurement properties of a stakeholder framework.FindingsA framework of firms' business sustainability endeavours with internal and external stakeholders appears valid and reliable through time and across occidental and oriental business contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThis study verifies and fortifies a stakeholder framework through time and across business contexts consisting of five stakeholder groups: upstream, the focal firm, downstream, market and societal.Practical implicationsThe framework of firms' business sustainability endeavours provides guidance to firms in their endeavours of business sustainability with internal and external stakeholders.Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing theory and previous studies by validating a stakeholder framework of business sustainability with internal and external stakeholders beyond occidental business context to be also valid and reliable in oriental ones.

A cross-country comparison and validation of firms’ stakeholder considerations in sustainable business practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas P.E. Karlsson ◽  
Hélène Laurell ◽  
John Lindgren ◽  
Tobias Pehrsson ◽  
Svante Andersson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Support ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholder ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Internal Stakeholders ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Downstream Market

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare and validate firms’ internal and external stakeholder considerations in sustainable business practices across business settings. It aims to assess the validity and reliability of a stakeholder framework appearing in previous studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a questionnaire survey and a cross-industry sample consisting of the largest firms in corporate Sweden. Multivariate analysis tests the stakeholder framework. Each of the 294 key informants was initially identified and contacted by telephone, generating a response rate of 36.5 per cent.FindingsThe tested stakeholder framework appears valid and reliable across countries to assess the internal stakeholders of focal firms, as well as their up- and downstream, market and societal stakeholders. This study provides additional empirical support to categorize firms’ stakeholder considerations in sustainable business practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study validates previous findings in terms of Swedish firms’ considerations of internal and external stakeholders in sustainable business practices in relation to one similar country (Norway) and one different country (Spain). The study also shows how the three countries perceive the focal company and societal stakeholders differently.Practical implicationsThe tested framework sheds light on focal firms’ stakeholder considerations in sustainable business practices and elucidates the extent to which firms’ account for their internal and external stakeholders in sustainable business practices.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the development of valid and reliable stakeholder theory across contexts and through time. In particular, it contributes to the development of a valid and reliable framework to categorize firms’ stakeholder considerations in sustainable business practices.

Developing a theory of focal company business sustainability efforts in connection with supply chain stakeholders

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Carlos Ferro ◽  
Nils Hogevold ◽  
Carmen Padin ◽  
Juan Carlos Sosa Varela
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Focal Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Downstream Market

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the structural properties of a stakeholder research model of focal company business sustainability and the associated consideration of upstream, downstream, market and societal stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Based on two industrial business samples in Norway and Spain, partial least squares– structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to empirically test a research model consisting of five stakeholder constructs. Findings The model was tested in Norway and validated in Spain. An analysis of the path coefficients and levels of significance shows that all relationships in the research model were significant and meaningful. Research limitations/implications This paper develops a model that explains and predicts company considerations of other stakeholders in the business sustainability efforts within supply chains (both upstream and downstream) and also beyond in the market and society. Practical implications The results of this study can guide companies in structuring, planning and implementing business sustainability in their supply chains, the marketplace and the society. It can also provide a foundation for monitoring and follow-up assessment of corporate decision-making. Originality/value This study contributes to supply chain management (SCM) and stakeholder theory to establish a framework for business sustainability with respect to company stakeholders in supply chains.

Validating a framework of stakeholders in connection to business sustainability efforts in supply chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Ferro ◽  
Carmen Padin ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Juan Carlos Sosa Varela ◽  
Beverly Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Focal Company

Purpose The purpose of this study is two-fold: to determine the extent to which companies’ efforts aimed at sustainable business practices consider stakeholders in their organisations and business networks, the marketplace and society; and to validate or refute a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, the marketplace, society and business networks. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a questionnaire survey targeting large companies across industries and sectors in Spain. The sample consisted of 231 companies generating a useable response rate of 38.5 per cent. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on a cross-industry sample to test a five-dimensional framework. Findings This study reports on the validation of initial and refined factor solutions. The factor analysis confirmed five stakeholder dimensions related to business sustainability efforts of organisations, their business networks, marketplace and society. The validated results indicate satisfactory convergent, discriminant and nomological validity and reliability through time and across contexts. Research limitations/implications The stakeholder framework in connection with business sustainability efforts in supply chains consisting of five factors was validated: the focal company, downstream stakeholders, societal stakeholders, market stakeholders and upstream stakeholders. Suggestion for further research is provided. Practical implications The validated framework of stakeholders allows an insight into the environment in which stakeholders operate and how they influence the focal company. Originality/value The manuscript contributes to the validation of a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, their business networks, the marketplace and society. The measurement properties provide support for acceptable validity and reliability across contexts and through time.

Re-testing and validating a triple bottom line dominant logic for business sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Laurell ◽  
Niklas P.E. Karlsson ◽  
John Lindgren ◽  
Svante Andersson ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Joint Consideration ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe triple bottom line (TBL) is still commonly explored in research without joint consideration of economic, social and environmental elements of business sustainability (BS). The purpose of this paper is to re-test and validate a BS framework based on the TBL approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a questionnaire survey consisting of the largest firms in corporate Sweden. A total of 107 usable questionnaires were ultimately received, for a response rate of 36.5 percent.FindingsThe findings validate and extend a framework of a TBL-dominant logic for BS. A total of 19 dimensions indicating satisfactory validity and reliability of the BS framework were identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe BS framework offers relevant insights to monitor and assess a TBL-dominant logic for BS. It also provides opportunities for further research.Practical implicationsManagers can use the BS framework as a tool to map firm priorities in connection with BS. Each dimension of the BS framework offers insights into how to monitor and assess firms’ efforts in the TBL.Originality/valueThis study contributes to validate and extend the TBL-dominant logic for BS. The BS framework also offers a timely and relevant contribution to both scholars and practitioners engaging in business sustainability.

Framing the development and directions of business sustainability efforts

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to frame the development and directions of business sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was undertaken with respect to a convenience sample of reputable companies in Norway, which have implemented significant business sustainability efforts within their organisations, their business networks, the marketplace and in the society, beyond the level of mere compliance. Findings Different directions are associated with the development of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability. Business sustainability efforts are not static, but dynamic and based upon continuous flexibility to changes and adaptations over time. Research Limitations/implications The current study highlights the need for further research into the development and directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability in the marketplace and society. A key suggestion for further research is to further explore the existence of other directions. Practical Implications The directions reported, provide a framework to assess the development or the status of companies’ business sustainability efforts in the marketplace and society. Corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability develop over time as experiences are gained and personal impressions move the identified directions forward. Originality/value This study contributes to seven interconnected directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability that are both relevant and potentially fruitful to both scholars and practitioners.

The fluid power: constructing the concept of power in community-based tourism in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-537
Author(s):  
Cicilia Larasati Rembulan ◽  
Avin Fadilla Helmi ◽  
Bagus Riyono
Keyword(s):  
Social Situation ◽  
Fluid Power ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Relationship Processes ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The concept of power in the literature is not conclusive yet and still contradictive. As contested concept, power have multi-definition in the literature. This study aims to construct a concept of power between organizations, state-owned enterprises (SOE) and communities in the context of community-based tourism in Borobudur, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Participants were 29 individuals representing SOEs (i.e. executive members) and local communities (e.g. village chiefs, community enterprise, managers and residents). Data collection was conducted through interviews, focus group discussions, field records and documents. Using grounded theory, the data were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. Findings This study discovered that power was fluid. At first, power was a static resource then when it exchanged, it turned into relational/power interplay and at last, became output resource. There was a transformation of antecedent resources of power into a consequential source of power through relationship processes. Research limitations/implications This study should be replicated in other settings for further research, for example, in a business-to-business context and business-to-government to develop a general framework. Practical implications Policymakers should be aware of such fluid power to ensure that community-based tourism programs can benefit all parties involved. Originality/value Findings from this study make several contributions to current literature as follows: this study extends from the existing theories of power, the community-based tourism context where this study was conducted represents actual social situation allowing it to be transferrable to real environment and elaborating theory of power into a comprehensive framework.

Stakeholder perceptions on the risk factors, challenges and benefits of business sustainability practices in the Singapore construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Kwong Lau ◽  
Hexin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Business Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study examines the stakeholder perception of the sustainability risks, challenges and benefits arising from managing these risks in the Singapore construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire consisting of 89 risk factors, challenges and benefits, was administered, with 216 responses received from various stakeholders. Regression analyses were used to estimate the relationships between sustainability and business risk factors, challenges and benefits associated with business sustainability practices.FindingsStakeholders recognise the importance of the emerging sustainability risk factors, and indeed rank these almost on a par with conventional business risk factors. The inherent business risks determine the nature of sustainability risk factors for construction firms, which in turn can affect their business risks and the performance and value creation of firms. However, most stakeholders, while acknowledging that business sustainability practices can provide benefits as well as posing challenges, do not believe that they can derive net benefits from such practices.Research limitations/implicationsThrough this perception study, there is an urgent need to turn the existing awareness of the importance of business sustainability (BS) practices into more consistent and solid actions among construction firms in Singapore.Practical implicationsThis study’s results imply construction firms to incorporate BS practices more systematically into their business strategies and operations, and to include sustainability risk factors alongside conventional business risks in their risk registers and risk management frameworks.Originality/valueThis study consolidates various variables and constructs of BS matters in the literature and practice into a meaningful framework for the management of BS in the construction industry.

scholarly journals An analysis of a structured benchmarking project

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1431-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuseirat ◽  
Zeyad Mohammad El Kahlout ◽  
Ahmed Abbas ◽  
Dotun Adebanjo ◽  
Prattana Punnakitikashem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Project Data ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a benchmarking project carried out by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of a structured benchmarking initiative. The project was based on the TRADE benchmarking methodology and this paper examines the tools, activities and outcomes that relate to each stage of the adopted methodology. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on case study methodology. Data were collected from various sources including analysis of project reports written by DEWA’s benchmarking team reporting on their activities during the project. Data were also collected from four project presentations given at different stages of the project. In addition, the research team held three meetings with the DEWA benchmarking team at different stages of the benchmarking project. Findings The results show the key challenges and successes faced during each stage of the benchmarking project. It indicates the actions taken to overcome the challenges and the role played by internal and external stakeholders in facilitating the success of the benchmarking project. Practical implications The study presents information that would guide organisations that wish to carry out a benchmarking project – and particularly those implementing benchmarking for the first time. The study provides a summary of the key lessons learnt by DEWA’s benchmarking team as a guide for other organisations. Originality/value Academic research has not adequately examined and analysed the stage-by-stage elements of a benchmarking project from the perspective of the implementing organisation. This study addresses this gap by detailing and analysing the experiences of a benchmarking project by tracking the stage-by-stage activities of the benchmarking team.

The changing role of the salesperson: how should salespeople act today?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Sandra Castro-González ◽  
Belén Bande
Keyword(s):  
Sales Force ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Organizational Role ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the nature and the organizational role of salespeople and, in particular, underscore the change in salespeople’s management in the current business context. Design/methodology/approach The paper briefly explains the role of salespeople in an organization and how salespeople are gaining prominence in customer management. From this point of view, the paper suggests steps to achieve the sale. Findings It is evident that salespeople must change the way they achieve sales goals within the organization. Currently, they need to adopt a more customer-centric approach, and the paper suggests how to do this. Practical implications The paper aims to provide key points for understanding and managing the sales force within the organization. Findings are relevant for those who must manage these workers or those who simply want to know more about the characteristics of the sales force. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of salespeople in organizations and describes how they should be managed. In addition, in some ways, the paper helps improve readers’ perception of the sales position.

scholarly journals Interactively developed capabilities: evidence from dyadic servitization relationships

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Raddats ◽  
Judy Zolkiewski ◽  
Vicky Mary Story ◽  
Jamie Burton ◽  
Tim Baines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Knowledge Development ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Dyadic Relationships ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
Relational Capabilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge the focal firm perspective of much resource/capability research, identifying how a dyadic perspective facilitates identification of capabilities required for servitization. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory study consisting of seven dyadic relationships in five sectors. Findings An additional dimension of capabilities should be recognised; whether they are developed independently or interactively (with another actor). The following examples of interactively developed capabilities are identified: knowledge development, where partners interactively communicate to understand capabilities; service enablement, manufacturers work with suppliers and customers to support delivery of new services; service development, partners interact to optimise performance of existing services; risk management, customers work with manufacturers to manage risks of product acquisition/operation. Six propositions were developed to articulate these findings. Research limitations/implications Interactively developed capabilities are created when two or more actors interact to create value. Interactively developed capabilities do not just reside within one firm and, therefore, cannot be a source of competitive advantage for one firm alone. Many of the capabilities required for servitization are interactive, yet have received little research attention. The study does not provide an exhaustive list of interactively developed capabilities, but demonstrates their existence in manufacturer/supplier and manufacturer/customer dyads. Practical implications Manufacturers need to understand how to develop capabilities interactively to create competitive advantage and value and identify other actors with whom these capabilities can be developed. Originality/value Previous research has focussed on relational capabilities within a focal firm. This study extends existing theories to include interactively developed capabilities. The paper proposes that interactivity is a key dimension of actors’ complementary capabilities.

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